Economic Development & Innovation

UCD's Department of Planning and Economic Development supports neighborhood commercial corridors and nodes throughout the district by offering technical assistance and other incentives related to business recruitment and retention.

Business Assistance

How we can Help your Business

Want to start a business in University City? UCD can help. We maintain an up-to-the-minute database of commercial properties and vacant land that is available for development, and we work closely with property owners and real estate brokers to recruit businesses for their properties. We understand University City, and we look for businesses that will enhance the dynamic commercial mix and meet community needs. And, we work with architects, designers and contractors to help proprietors create the perfect space, and help find consultants that can meet their needs.

We support individual businesses, and we partner with business associations and neighborhood organizations to create events and promotions and improve public space. Dining Days, The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll and LOOK! On Lancaster Avenue are just a few of the events that have driven thousands of customers to local businesses.

From the new lights on Baltimore Avenue that have increased pedestrian counts in the evening to the transformation of bleak concrete traffic triangles to small oases of greenery, UCD works hard to create an inviting atmosphere on our commercial corridors, serving businesses and their customers and making University City one of the best places in Philadelphia to start and run a business.

Search form

Search

Sign up for our newsletter

Support from our community helps us make University City such a livable, vibrant place.